New and vacant staff positions in Colorado State University’s self-funded auxiliaries are being transitioned to administrative professional positions, beginning July 1.
CSU is the only higher education institution in Colorado that has not yet made this switch in auxiliaries since state legislation authorizing the shift went into effect in January 2013. House Bill 11-1301, referred to as the “Higher Education Flexibility Bill,” broadened the criteria used to determine which positions are exempted from the State Personnel System, but left it up to institutions whether to transition jobs in self-funded units to administrative professional positions.
Examples of CSU units that are primarily self-funded auxiliaries include Housing and Dining Services, Parking and Transportation Services and the James L. Voss Veterinary Teaching Hospital.
Starting this month, all new hires in auxiliaries will be for administrative professional jobs, and current state classified staff in eligible positions may opt to become administrative professionals, but that decision is completely up to them. Human Resources leaders say there are benefits to each, and every individual employee will have to decide which employment category is best for their particular situation.
A list of Frequently Asked Questions has been posted online at https://col.st/GIxDw.
“One type of employment category is not inherently ‘better’ than the other,” the FAQs state. “Each individual employee should assess their personal circumstances and determine what is most advantageous for them.”
Those who would like to discuss their specific circumstances can contact their assigned senior HR business partner to schedule a time to meet and review their information.
Impetus for the change
CSU leaders say the change is being made because administrative professional roles provide the institution with greater flexibility and discretion related to recruitment, compensation and benefits in competitive job markets, and allows them to readily and quickly adapt to circumstances at a local level.
Additionally, leaders in the auxiliaries believe the shift is in the best interest of their units, as well as the university, allowing for flexibility while providing options for current employees that will promote employee retention.
State classified employees are subject to the State Personnel Board Rules and the personnel director’s Administrative Procedures (in the State of Colorado Department of Personnel). These rules, and direction given from the Department of Personnel and Administration, guide hiring, compensation and benefits. Additionally, classified employees are covered by the COWINS partnership agreement that governs many aspects of the employment relationship.
Administrative Professional employees are subject to the rules outlined in CSU’s Academic Faculty/Administrative Professional Manual. Implementation of those rules falls to various offices across the university, including HR.
